Michigan football: Three things we learned

456660300.jpg PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 04: Devin Gardner #98 of the Michigan Wolverines runs past Lorenzo Waters #21 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter at High Point Solutions Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)(Photo: Alex Goodlett, Getty Images)

• CLOSE DOESN'T COUNT. After three decisive major-conference losses, the Wolverines needed to show progress. But against a mediocre Rutgers team, perking up the offense a bit wasn't enough. Entering the final minutes with a chance to win just added another problem: They can't finish, leading to an 0-2 Big Ten start, the worst since 1967.

• THIRD STRIKE. The sign of a bad defense is its struggles in crucial moments, and U-M failed immensely. Not only was Rutgers 8-for-16 on third down, it was crushing gains, as quarterback Gary Nova finished 8-for-12 for 170 yards and a touchdown on the crucial down.

• GARDNER GROWS. Devin Gardner reminded us he is Michigan's best quarterback. After being benched, the senior played a solid game, moving the offense better than the past few weeks (no major feat) by using his legs. Shane Morris made the trip and dressed but never seemed likely to enter the game. Russell Bellomy appeared to be the backup.

Mark Snyder's three things to watch

• RUNNING AWAY: Michigan's love/hate relationship with the run

continues. The Wolverines thrive for a drive with it, and then you wonder where it went. They marched downfield for a fourth-quarter score, going 79 yards with six runs and one pass, which left everyone wondering where that was the rest of the game.

• FINDING FUNCHESS: Michigan star receiver Devin Funchess caught five passes for 71 yards, not nearly enough for a weapon of his caliber. Trying to spread the ball around is nice, but Funchess is far more reliable than the other options. Same goes for tight end Jake Butt (one catch, 20 yards).

• SECONDARY PROBLEM: The Michigan pass defense was consistently pounded by Rutgers, getting torched for 404 yards by Gary Nova, including a few massive leaks, like an 80-yard, wide-open touchdown pass. Penn State loves to throw, so that will be a major issue in this week's prep. Still missing cornerback Jabrill Peppers is a concern.

Up next for U-M: Penn State

Fast facts

Matchup: Penn State (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) at U-M (2-4, 0-2).

When: 7 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.

TV: ESPN2.

Line: TBA.

Know the foe: Penn State was rolling along until it hit the Northwestern buzz saw Sept. 27, losing to the Wildcats, 29-6. The positive for the Wolverines? Penn State also has offensive

problems, averaging only 22.8 points per game, but the Nittany Lions love to throw the ball (more than 300 yards per game). Penn State has the ninth-ranked defense in the country, so big point totals are not essential.